The days are warming up here in Mississippi. Like many freelancers, I usually jump-start my brain in the morning with a cup of coffee while I sort through emails and create/assign tasks to myself and my team in Asana to get a handle on my day. Unless I get to the coffee shop as a treat, I usually drink some variety of dark roast K-cup. K-cups are convenient, but expensive and rather wasteful.

My husband recently turned me on to cold brew - more specifically cold brewing our coffee at home. I love to drink it hot and it's even better cold! It's less acidic and more concentrated than hot-brewed coffee so I can get more of that caffeine goodness in each serving.

We use the Takeya Cold Brew Pitcher - it’s easy to use and inexpensive. I tend to brew my coffee for 12 hours at room temperature, and 12 more hours in the fridge for a full 24 hours. It’s even better at 48, but it’s hard to keep up with our consumption demand that way. The husband loves cold brewing some flavored variety of Hawaiian Isles Kona Coffee and I love a good full bodied non-flavored coffee like Tiny Footprint Organic Cold Press Elixir.

My absolute favorite way to drink my cold brew is mixed with Silk Dark Chocolate Almond Milk. The whole 16oz. cup of iced goodness is a 100 calorie mocha - and tastes more indulgent than it is. If I'm craving a hot cup, I just mix the cold brew with some piping hot water and add a little sugar.

A native of Rochester, NY, Emily Mabry was brought up in an atmosphere seeped with art and music. The vibrant influences of the city led her south to Belhaven University to pursue a BFA in graphic design. Her passion for music and her talent as a bassist and a guitarist brought her together with her husband, Caleb, also an accomplished musician. The couple spent two years living outside of Harrisburg, PA, attending ministry school while Emily worked as a junior graphic designer. They have since returned to the south, where Caleb is part of the Mississippi Army National Guard. Channeling northern flair and southern charm into her work, Emily uses her skills as a musician to weave fresh depths into the rich tones and modern notes of her designs. Caleb and Emily Mabry currently reside with their son Cillian in Starkville, MS.

A small freelance graphic design business, Sparrow Ink Design has a heart for the client. Desiring to help entrepreneurs, small businesses and non-profits find and come into their own identity, Sparrow Ink Design offers professional designs that will establish a clear and unique presence, effectively helping propel your business to the front of the market.